A Demon's Witch

by Tena Stetler

“Aw, Mrs. Staret, I’d never dream of doing such a thing. I was just having a bit of fun.” Angie turned to face the woman and winked. “I’ll keep your warning in mind, should I decide to visit the salon again.”

  Still considering Angie seriously over her half spectacles, Mrs. Staret lowered her voice to a whisper. “See that you do. Remember things are not always as they seem, young one. You may be a witch, but you’re no match for the likes of him.”

  “What?” Angie sputtered. “Where’d you get the idea that…?”

  “Oh, come now dear, I’ve seen this art practiced way too long not to recognize true magic when I see or feel it.” She sighed and patted Angie’s shoulder. “Your magic signature is very powerful. But don’t worry, yours and Willow’s secrets are safe with me. Though it may behoove you to disguise your magic signature a bit dear. If you don’t want other creatures to know.” She laughed quietly and turned her attention to the books on the shelf against the opposite wall.

  The chimes rang out again, welcoming another customer.

  Huh, this town is full of surprises. Angie greeted the new customer, and then put the rest of the inventory away. She’d only met Mrs. Staret once when she sold her the earrings, but the woman had become one of Willow’s best customers. Angie couldn’t believe she’d failed to notice that the older woman was a witch.

  ****

  Willow rushed in the door, cheeks rosy, eyes wide with excitement, and her short hair windswept, blue tips sticking out every which way. “Sorry I’m late. The cherry trees are in full bloom, and their fragrance is heavenly on the breeze. The sun is warm and it’s way too nice out there to be in here working.” She pirouetted across the floor stopping in front of Angie, her outstretched arms settling at her sides. Studying Angie for a moment she inquired, “What’s wrong?”

  “Your customer, Mrs. Staret, was just in.”

  Willow’s forehead creased. “Oh, dear wasn’t it the right book?”

  “Nothing like that, it was her intuition that surprised me. I didn’t know she was a witch.”

  Willow chortled. “She’s not. Her husband, Paul, who served in the House of Representatives, was a warlock with substantial powers, so she claims. He passed a few months back, she misses him something fierce.” Sighing, sadness crossed her ice blue eyes as she looked at Angie. “They were married for over fifty years. Her daughter and granddaughter inherited the magic and belong to a coven in Arlington, I believe. What made you think she was a witch? “

  “Her observations that I was a witch and you had a secret. There is no doubt in my mind she knows you’re a faery.”

  Willow’s eyes rounded, and she blew out a breath. “Mrs. Staret came right out and said that?”

  “Well, no, what she said was our secrets remain safe with her, but she acknowledged that I was a witch and in her opinion, no match for Bruce.”

  “Wow.” Willow paused tapping her foot on the hardwood floor. “What brought him into the conversation? See, I told you he would be nothing but trouble.”

  “Apparently, Mrs. Staret’s granddaughter was having her nails done at the Wycked Hair when I went in the first time.” Angie rolled her eyes and pursed her lips, glancing at Willow, then at the floor. “Of all the luck.”

  “You didn’t expect to go unnoticed did you? Especially not with your ability to create a scene with very little provocation,” Willow said.

  “It wasn’t like that. I just walked in, searched for the manager, felt eyes watching me from above, took a quick peek and this gorgeous male stood staring down at me.” She shrugged one shoulder nonchalantly and flipped her hair back. “So I blew him a kiss in fun and then asked Owen about distributing the flyers to customers in the salon. It was all very innocent.”

  “Oh, and I forgot your gift for understatement.” Willows eyes sparkled in amusement.

  Standing with her hands fisted on her hips, violet eyes flashing, Angie warned, “Don’t go there. I left my brother’s home in Maine because he kept riding my ass.”

  “With good reason. He was just trying to watch out for you, like he has since your parents died.”

  “I’m thirty-two and well able to take care of myself,” Angie said, in a raised voice.

  Arching her brow and glaring at Angie, Willow shot back, “If that was the case, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. I’m not the one who created a scene in one of our neighbor’s establishments almost before The Krystal Unicorn’s doors opened for business. Nor was it I,”—she pointed her thumb at her chest—“who attracted the attention of the most powerful demon in the Western Hemisphere and Territory Overlord. Now was it?”

  Angie sucked in a breath and let it whoosh out. “He’s a what? So you did do some checking?”

  “Well, I couldn’t let you go chasing the first good looking hunk in D.C. who attracted your attention without checking him out. He’s a bad one, Angie, and your brother would absolutely not approve.”

  “My brother never approves any of the men I date.”

  “Gee, I wonder why. Well in this case, you need to think very seriously about what you’re doing. Don’t mess with him, Angie. He’s trouble, and he’ll break your heart at the very least. I don’t want to think about the worst.”

  “Ok, enough, I get it.” Angie held one hand out in front of her. “You are not my keeper.”

  “No. I’m not. But I’ve been your best friend for most of your thirty-two years and now your business partner. Ange, I don’t want to lose you.”

  Taken back by the sincere fear in her friend’s voice, Angie said soothingly, “You won’t. I’ll stay away from him. Ok?”

  Willow shifted in her chair so she could look Angie straight in the eyes. “Promise?” There’d never been a promise broken between them. Would this be the first? Willow wondered.

  “Yes,” Angie said and added under her breath. For now.

  Willow shoved her toward the door. “Now get out there and enjoy this wonderful day. See ya tomorrow. Stay away from the Wycked Hair. I’ll deliver more flyers to the salon on my way home today.”

  “Thanks, I think.” Angie grabbed her sweater from the coat rack behind the door and walked out into the sun-drenched afternoon, inhaling deeply the fragrant cherry blossoms. The Wycked Hair was to her right and the boring rest of the world to her left. She turned left, strolled down the street, and crossed over to the park. She’d come back for her car later.

  Chapter Five

  Stacks of paperwork awaited Bruce as he breezed through the door of his office. The price he paid for a few days off. Resigned to the tasks at hand, he spent the entire day at his desk playing catch up. The time off was invigorating, after accepting the fact that Angie was just going to be a factor in his life. Rather than let it ruin his time off, he attempted to tuck her in the corner of his mind for later consideration, with less success than he’d hoped.

  He shifted in his chair, fighting a feeling that drew him to the window. Finally, he stood and stretched his arms above his head, letting them fall to his sides, then shook the wrinkles from his tailored navy blue pants and sauntered over to gaze out the window. Across the street toward the park, light pink petals of cherry blossoms floated on the breeze. Spring could be a wonderful time in the city and then again, it could be deadly.

  He switched his position and looked down the street to The Krystal Unicorn. Angie crossed the street from the park and was walking toward what he assumed was her car in the parking lot. If he left now he could surprise her at the car, as she had him the other night, though she hadn’t made an actual appearance. He could mask his magical signature enough that she wouldn’t sense him until he was beside her. Two could play this little game of cat and mouse. While his brain told him this was not a good idea, every fiber of his physical being was urging him on.

  ****

  She reached out just as his hand covered hers, pulling on the handle to open the door. Spinning around, hand fisted and arm poised to punch, she found him grinning behind her. “W—What,” she stammered
as she stood gaping at him.

  Reflexes faster than hers, he caught her delicate fist in his large hand. “Good evening, Ms. Shandie. How are you this fine evening?” His lips twitched in amusement, and the grin turned into a self-satisfied smile as he released her hand.

  She gulped in air while her heart thundered in her chest. “I’m fine though you just scared ten years off my life. Where did you come from?” Her eyes narrowed scanning the area. “Were you spying on me?” Hands fisted at her sides, she waited for an answer.

  He leaned into her, nostrils flared drawing in her scent, a mix of floral with a hint of citrus, very pleasant. Before he took a nibble, she got his attention with a firm strike to his solar plexus.

  “Is there something I can do for you Mr…?” She hesitated, realizing that she didn’t know his last name.

  Grabbing her fist again, as he bent from the waist and wheezed, “It’s Bruce, no Mr., just Bruce.” He caught his breath, straightened to his full height and stared down at her. “Since you’re asking, there is something you can do for me. Join me for a latte at the coffee shop around the corner. It’s the least you can do, after attacking me for no reason.”

  “No reason,” she squeaked. “I’m not the one who came out of nowhere and scared the bejeebers out of me.”

  “The bejeebers. Huh.” He bit back a grin.

  “Yes, that’s right,” she said seriously while considering the ramifications of being seen with him by Willow or Mrs. Staret. Angie decided there was little chance of either one being out and about now. What harm could it do in a safe public place? She really wanted to get to know the man she seemed so drawn to against her better judgment. “I shouldn’t. Everyone I’ve met recently has warned me about you. Besides, I really don’t care for coffee.”

  Bruce quirked an eyebrow and said, “You don’t have to drink coffee. There are lots of other beverages available. There is nothing wrong with a couple of people discussing business over a drink in a busy public place. Is there?”

  She hesitated and looked around again. “No, I guess not. Business?”

  ****

  “Yes.” He took her hand, tucked it through his bent elbow, and guided her to the coffee shop. Just being near and her touch ignited something inside him. A female of any species never had this effect on him, and he’d experienced a wide range of female companions over the centuries. Puzzled, yet intrigued by this ability of hers, he decided it definitely would require he spend more time with her, something Owen would not approve of. For that matter, he was sure Tristian would do more than disapprove, if he found out. So, they’d have to keep an extremely low profile.

  Away from the foot traffic, he led her to a table in the far corner and pulled out her chair. She looked surprised and pleased taking her seat primly while continuing to scan the area for familiar faces.

  “What is your pleasure?”

  “A hot chocolate with lots of whip cream.”

  “Your wish is my command.” He bowed deeply and took her hand brushing his lips over it softly, and then gently laying it back on the table. “I’ll be right back.”

  ****

  At his touch, a jolt of desire shot through her, which left her, trembling inside. She brushed her hair from her face and smiled, hoping he wouldn’t notice how off balance she felt when he was around. He made her feel special and very female; she liked that, maybe too much. Not that the rest of him was bad either, tall and confident with chiseled facial features that should belong to a model, and gorgeous shoulder length hair, chestnut with just enough highlights to look kissed by the sun. She’d love to run her fingers through that hair. But, he was off limits, she reminded herself as a little voice in her head wondered. Well, what could it hurt to just…

  “Hello Angie, are you waiting for someone?” Mrs. Staret asked, looking over her half-spectacles at Angie.

  Caught up in her own thoughts, Angie startled. “Oh, hi there, Mrs. Staret. No, uh, a business associate of mine is getting our drinks. Are you here by yourself?”

  “No just passing by, I’m having dinner up the street with my daughter and son-in-law. I saw you sitting alone and thought maybe you’d like…” She glanced up at the counter and back to Angie, Mrs. Staret’s pale blue eyes narrowed in disapproval. “Heed my warning young one.” She turned sharply to leave, nearly colliding with Bruce.

  “What a pleasant surprise, Mrs. Staret. I was so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing, please accept my condolences. If there is anything I can do?”

  “Thank you, Bruce. I’m sure you’ve done enough,” she said icily.

  Ignoring her sharp tone, he continued. “Would you care to join Ms. Shandie and me, we were discussing business strategies and maybe a revamp of her flyer. Have you seen it?”

  “Yes, yes I have and thought it was quite appealing.”

  “True, but a discount coupon or offer of a free gift, might add more interest, don’t you think?”

  “Perhaps. I have to go, I’ve a dinner engagement.” She nodded curtly to Bruce and shot a warning glance in Angie’s direction before hurrying up the street.

  Angie rolled her eyes and looked skyward. “Oh, great. Just what I need, now the whole magic community will know I was seen alone with you.”

  “Oh come now, that’s not such a bad thing. I am a successful businessman just helping a new proprietor. Relax.” He sat the drinks down on the table in front of them, patted her hand reassuringly, and eased into his chair.

  “What did she mean, you did enough?”

  “I’m not quite sure. She’s very bitter over her husband Paul’s death, seems she thinks it could have been avoided. He led a double life, one as a legislator, the other undercover—a dangerous life.”

  “How? What happened to him?”

  “Those are questions you’d have to ask her. Now let’s enjoy what’s left of our evening. Tell me about yourself and what brought you here.” He smiled and leaned toward her to catch every word.

  She considered pushing the issue, but the determined look on his face, decided against it. Maybe another time, after she’d had a chance to gather more information. “It was time to get a life of my own.” Angie paused and felt a twinge of guilt. “No that’s not exactly right. My brother raised me after our parents died. Made sure I attended the best colleges for his career plans for me. In fact, he controlled every aspect of my life. He claimed it was too dangerous for me to be out on my own. The final straw came six months ago. Tristian left on business, and I moved out without telling him where I was going.” Angie paused. What am I doing telling a stranger my whole life story? Especially him.

  Bruce frowned. “That was a little harsh. Don’t you think? He is all you have, right?”

  “Yes, but I called him a week later and told him, that Willow and I had decided to start a business in D.C., and would check in from time to time. He wasn’t happy, but there wasn’t much he could do about it.”

  “Willow?” Bruce asked his brow arched.

  “Oh, we grew up together. She is my best friend and always the cautious one. My brother thought I was wild. So he feels better she is here to watch out for me.”

  “Now, how about you? What brought you here?” Angie leaned her chin on her hand and gazed up at him from under long golden lashes.

  ****

  He craved to reach out and put his hand over hers, caress her soft skin, but thought better of it. It would only fuel the fire inside him that burned out of control, when he was close to her. He didn’t want to let her go, he wanted to continue seeing her, but knew it was a bad idea for all the reasons Owen stated. “I’ve owned The Wyked Hair for several years. Owen manages the salon for me along with his wife, Tobi, whom you enjoyed irritating during your second visit.” A chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. “She was ready to shred your face, until Owen explained it was me you found intriguing. She’s a possessive little creature.”

  Lips forming a pout, Angie cooed, “I never said I had designs on anyone, you were available and attentive. Owen’
s reaction was an inadvertent benefit.”

  “You really need to be careful. Things are not always as they seem in this city, and you could find yourself in a dangerous situation,” Bruce said.

  “You sound like my brother.” Angie blew out a breath and rolled her eyes. “Always doom and gloom. Now back to you, do you have family?”

  “No.” This was a discussion he wasn’t ready to have with her, probably never would. “It’s getting late Angie. May I walk you back to your car?”

  Surprised at his sudden icy tone, she remained seated and continued to watch him, deciding she’d touched on a sensitive subject.

  Bruce stood, placed the empty cups on the tray, and took it over to the trash, returning to stand behind her chair. Apparently, as far as he was concerned the evening was over.

  “Was it something I said?” she asked jokingly, feeling more uncomfortable by the minute.

  “No, not at all. It’s just that I still have work to finish up and an early morning tomorrow.” Continuing to see her would be a mistake he should end it tonight. But he wasn’t going to, after spending the evening with her, he was more attracted to her than ever and not just her beautiful body, it was more. “Is there a cell phone or number I could reach you directly?”

  “Yes. If you’ll give me yours?” She smiled mischievously, batting her long lashes.

  Raising a brow questioningly, he smiled and jotted his personal cell number on the back of his business card, as he watched her out of the corner of his eye doing the same. He curved his arm and started to reach for her hand, but she had already slid it through the crook of his arm and intertwined their fingers. That quick jolt of intimate awareness was back and none too welcome.

  ****

  Arriving at the salon an hour before dawn, Bruce climbed the stairs to his office to find the door open just as the desk light flicked on. He stepped silently through the doorway and let out a breath in relief. “Owen what the hell are you doing here on your morning off?”

  Owen’s eyes blazed as he swung around to face Bruce. “Just couldn’t control yourself? Wouldn’t listen to me? Now look at this.” He flung a photograph toward the desk. It fluttered in the air and came to rest on the glass top.